Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SLEEPING-BAG ACCOMMODATION
Iceland's best-kept secret is the sleeping-bag option offered by hostels, numerous guest-
houses and some hotels. For a fraction of the normal cost you'll get a bed without a duvet;
you supply your own sleeping bag.
Taking the sleeping-bag option doesn't mean sleeping in a dorm - generally you book
the same private room, just minus the linen. The sleeping-bag option usually means BYO
towel, too (a pillowcase is also worth packing).
Sleeping-bag prices will never include breakfast, but you'll often have the option of pur-
chasing it.
Note that the option to use your own sleeping bag is more prevalent outsidethe peak
summer period.
Hostels
Iceland has 32 well-maintained hostels administered by Hostelling International Iceland
(
www.hostel.is
). In Reykjavík and Akureyri, there are also independent backpacker hos-
tels. Bookings are recommended at all of them, especially from June to August.
About half the Hostelling International hostels open year-round. Check online for
opening-date info.
All hostels offer hot showers, cooking facilities and sleeping-bag accommodation, and
most offer private rooms. If you don't have a sleeping bag, you can hire linen (varies, but
around Ikr1500 per stay).
Breakfast (where available) costs Ikr1500 to Ikr2000.
Join Hostelling International (
www.hihostels.com
) in your home country to benefit from HI
member discounts of Ikr700 per person. Nonmembers pay around Ikr4100 for a dorm
bed; single/double rooms cost Ikr6900/11,200 (more for private bathrooms). Children
aged five to 12 get a discount of Ikr1500.
Hotels
Every major town has at least one business-style hotel, usually featuring comfortable but
innocuous rooms with private bathroom, phone, TV and sometimes minibar. Invariably
the hotels also have decent restaurants.
